I'm looking to get into macro photography and currently comparing the 100mm L or 100mm non-L to go onto my 7D.

The macro photography I will be doing will be mostly on nature walks and almost all hand-held.

My question is the IS on the L-version going to make much difference on this sort of photography (I'm aware it makes a lot of difference with telephoto pictures) over the non IS version, worth the extra £250?

Thanks

Exactly the same predicament I went through 3 months ago. I went IS. Our only difference is your 19 AF points vs. my 9 pt AF points. It was my first red ring. Amazingly sharp. Satisfied at the moment.